Albert Lea council approves Front Street stormwater design contract, accepts arena donations and several claims

The Albert Lea City Council on Jan. 27 approved a professional engineering services agreement for design of a stormwater detention basin on Front Street, accepted in‑kind donations to remodel a changing room at the City Arena and approved the presentation of claims over $25,000.

The council approved hiring a consultant to design the Front Street Basin Project (job 2507) after the City Manager said the city had received an $885,724.21 stormwater resiliency grant and estimated the total project cost at $1,027,789. The City Manager told the council staff recommended hiring HR Green with a proposed consulting fee not to exceed $129,700 and an option for construction oversight not to exceed $44,000, for a total not to exceed $173,700. Councillor Howland moved the motion and Councillor Christiansen seconded; the motion carried.

The design work is intended to develop construction plans and cost estimates, complete wetland delineation, perform stormwater modeling, coordinate geotechnical work and provide ADA walkway and access improvements for property at 1300 Front Street that the city said had been donated for stormwater detention and public access. The City Manager cautioned the council that the basin would not eliminate all local flooding but would reduce it; Councillor Howland said the work will “help” residents in the area and anticipated completion in late 2025 or spring 2026.

The council also accepted in‑kind donations for remodeling at the City Arena, including materials and services from Geneva Lumber, Rink Systems and Albert Lea Electric. The City Manager said the donated supplies and labor total nearly $6,500 and will be used to create a small changing room for referees and players near Nystrom Rink; donor names will be displayed in the room. Councillor Baker moved the acceptance and Councillor Anderson seconded; the motion carried.

On the consent agenda the council approved routine items including minutes from the Jan. 13 regular meeting and Jan. 13 work session, the appointment of Marliss Steele to the Senior Center Board, and three resolutions accepting feasibility reports and calling public hearings at 7 p.m. in February 2025 for the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Project (job 2501), the 2025 State Aid Street overlay project (job 2502) and the Eleventh Street reconstruction project (job 2503). The consent agenda was approved with the exclusion of item G and another item identified as "3." The motion to approve the consent items passed after a second by Councillor Anderson.

The council approved a resolution to present claims over $25,000. The City Manager listed individual claims that the council noted on the record, including payments to Ferguson Enterprise Incorporated ($26,520), Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative ($30,161.31), HomeServe USA Corp ($30,590.19), Braun Intertech Corporation ($46,179.53) and WW Geotish Associates Incorporated ($207,680). The amount listed in the record for League of Minnesota Cities insurance was unclear in the meeting transcript and is reported here as not specified. Councillor Anderson moved approval of the claims presentation and Councillor Baker seconded; the motion carried.

Other reports and items: council members provided routine committee reports and community updates, including parks and recreation, HRA and upcoming community events such as the "Big Freeze" on Feb. 8 and local programming at the City Arena. The City Manager said staff are working on a housing road map for difficult properties and will meet with public safety staff on organizational concerns.

The meeting adjourned after approval of the final motion.